Projector lift

ABSTRACT

According to the present disclosure, a projector lift is provided to raise and lower a projector from the ceiling. The projector lift includes a first mount normally coupled to the ceiling, a second mount supporting the projector, a driver configured to raise and lower the second mount and projector, and a stabilizer extending between the first and second mounts.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/638,796 to Enochs, filed Dec. 15, 2009, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/164,241 to Enochs, filed Jun. 5,2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/877,755 to Enochs, filed Jun. 8, 2001, the disclosures of whichare expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

This invention relates to devices configured to lower a projector from aceiling. More particularly, the present invention relates to deviceshaving scissor mechanisms configured to stabilize such a projector.

Video projectors are often hung or supported from the ceiling to projectan image onto a movie screen or other surface. Projector lifts areprovided to raise and lower the projector from the ceiling. Examples ofsuch projector lifts are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,203 and U.S.Design Pat. No. 395,909.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an audio/visual systemconfigured for use in a structure is provided. The system includes anaudio/visual component and a component lift configured to raise andlower the component. The component lift includes a first mount adaptedto be coupled to the structure, a second mount adapted to support thecomponent, and a series of links extending between the first and secondmounts. The series includes first and second links and a first couplerconfigured to couple the first and second links together. The first linkincludes a first aperture. The first coupler includes a plurality offlexible snap fingers sized to be inserted into the aperture to couplethe first link to the first coupler.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projector liftadapted to support a projector from a ceiling is provided. The projectorlift includes a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to a ceiling of aroom, a projector mount adapted to support a projector, a plurality oflinks extending between the ceiling mount and the projector mount, theplurality of links including first and second links, and a couplerincluding a flexible member configured to couple the first and secondlinks together.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projector liftadapted to support a projector from a ceiling is provided. The projectorlift includes a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to a ceiling of aroom, a projector mount adapted to support a projector, a plurality oflinks extending between the ceiling mount and the projector mount, theplurality of links including first and second links, and a couplerconfigured to snap fit with at least one of the first and second linksto couple the first and second links together.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projector liftadapted to support a projector from a ceiling is provided. The projectorlift includes a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to a ceiling of aroom, a projector mount adapted to support a projector, a plurality oflinks extending between the ceiling mount and the projector mount, and asnap fastener configured to couple two of the plurality links together.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projector liftadapted to support a projector from a ceiling is provided. The projectorlift includes a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to a ceiling of aroom, a projector mount adapted to support a projector, and a firstscissor pair extending between the ceiling and projector mounts. Thefirst scissor pair including first and second scissor links coupledtogether to define an X-pattern. The project lift further includes firstand second cables. The first cable extends along the first scissor link.The second cable extends along the second scissor link.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projector liftadapted to support a projector from a ceiling is provided. The projectorlift includes a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to a ceiling of aroom, a projector mount adapted to support a projector, and a firstscissor pair extending between the ceiling and projector mounts. Thefirst scissor pair includes first and second scissor links coupledtogether to define an X-pattern. The first scissor link includes a topsurface, a bottom surface spaced apart from the top surface, and a pairof side surfaces. The projector lift further includes a first cableextending along the top or bottom surfaces of the first scissor link.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projector liftadapted to support a projector from a ceiling is provided. The projectorlift includes a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to a ceiling of aroom, a projector mount adapted to support a projector, and at least onescissor pair extending between the ceiling and projector mounts. The atleast one scissor pair includes first and second scissor links coupledtogether to define an X-pattern. The first scissor link including anaperture therein. The projector lift further includes a first cableextending along the first scissor link and a coupler extending throughthe aperture in the first scissor link to couple the first cable to thefirst scissor link.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projector liftadapted to support a projector from a ceiling is provided. The projectorlift includes a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to a ceiling of aroom, a projector mount adapted to support a projector, and a firstscissor pair extending between the ceiling and projector mounts. Thefirst scissor pair includes first and second scissor links coupledtogether to define an X-pattern. The projector lift further includes afirst cable extending along the first scissor link and a first shieldpositioned to protect the first cable from contacting another componentduring raising and lowering of the projector mount.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projector liftadapted to support a projector from a ceiling is provided. The projectorlift includes a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to a ceiling of aroom, a projector mount adapted to support a projector, and a firstbumper positioned to cushion impact of the movement of the projectormount.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a series ofscissor pairs is provided. The series has an extended length and aretracted length. Each of the scissor pairs of the series includes firstand second scissor links having a length, width, and height. Theretracted length of the series is less than the sum of the heights ofthe first scissor links.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a series ofscissor pairs is provided. The series of scissor pairs has a firstlength and a second length that is longer than the first length. Thescissor pairs includes first and second scissor links coupled to eachother to pivot about a pivot axis. The scissor pairs are positioned in aside-by-side relationship in the direction of the pivot axis.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a series ofscissor pairs is provided. Each scissor pair includes a first link and asecond link pivotably coupled to the first link. At least one pair offirst links is pivotably coupled together by a coupler that spans atleast one second link.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a series ofscissor pairs is provided. The series has extended and retractedlengths. The series includes a plurality of scissor pairs havingextended and retracted lengths and means for coupling the plurality ofscissor pairs together so that the retracted length of the series isless than the sum of the retracted lengths of the scissor pairs.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a series ofscissor pairs is provided. The series of scissor pairs includes a firstscissor pair and a second scissor pair. The first and second scissorspairs include a first link and a second link pivotably coupled to thefirst link. The first link of the first scissor pair moves in a firstplane during pivoting. The first link of the second scissor pair movesin a second plane during pivoting. At least one of the second links ofthe first and second scissor pairs is positioned between the first andsecond planes.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projector liftis provided that is adapted to support a projector from a ceiling. Theprojector lift includes a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to aceiling of a room. The ceiling mount has an outer perimeter. Theprojector lift further includes a projector mount adapted to support aprojector. The projector mount has an outer perimeter. The outerperimeter of the ceiling mount and the outer perimeter of the projectormount cooperate to define a column of space between the ceiling mountand the projector mount. The projector lift further includes a series oflinks extending between the ceiling mount and the projector mount. Atleast a portion of the series of links is positioned within the columnof space.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a projector liftis provided that is adapted to support a projector from a ceiling. Theprojector lift includes a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to aceiling of a room. The ceiling mount includes a perimeter wall and abracket positioned in an interior region formed by the perimeter wall.The projector lift includes a projector mount adapted to support aprojector and a series of links extending between the ceiling mount andthe projector mount to support the projector mount. At least one link ofthe series of links is coupled to the bracket of the ceiling mount.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an audio/visualsystem for use in a structure is provided. The system includes anaudio/visual component and a component lift. The component lift issupported by the structure and coupled to the component to raise andlower the component. The component lift includes a first mount adaptedto couple to the structure, a second mount coupled to the component, adriver configured to raise and lower the second mount, and a stabilizerconfigured to stabilize the second mount. The first and second mountseach have an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter of the first mount andthe outer perimeter of the second mount cooperate to define a column ofspace between the first mount and the second mount. At least a portionof the stabilizer is positioned in the column of space.

Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a projector lift supporting aprojector showing the projector lift including a ceiling mount coupledto the ceiling, a projector mount supporting the projector, anextendable stabilizer extending between the ceiling and projectormounts, and a driver (partially shown in phantom) also extending betweenthe ceiling and projector mounts to raise and lower the projector mountand projector coupled thereto;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the projector lift of FIG. 1showing the stabilizer in a retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the stabilizer in an extendedposition;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side elevation view of one embodiment of astabilizer extending from the ceiling mount to the projector mountshowing the stabilizer including a series of five scissor pairs eachincluding a first link (shown in grey) and a second link;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the series of scissor pairs of FIG. 5showing the scissor pairs positioned in a side-by-side relationship witha first of the scissor pairs positioned adjacent to the ceiling mountand a fifth of the scissor pairs positioned adjacent to the projectormount;

FIG. 6 is view similar to FIG. 5 showing a preferred arrangement ofcouplers configured to couple the links together;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing an alternative arrangement ofcouplers configured to couple the links together;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing a preferred arrangements oflinks and couplers configured to couple the links together;

FIG. 9 is an end view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 showing therelative position of the ends of the links of FIG. 8 when the series ispartially extended;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing a first alternativeembodiment arrangement of links and couplers configured to couple thelinks together showing the ends of the links aligned;

FIG. 12 is an end view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11 showing therelative position of the ends of the links of FIG. 14 when the series ispartially extended;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 11showing some of the couplers including notches to provide clearance forthe intermediate links that they span;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing a second alternativeembodiment arrangement of links and couplers configured to couple thelinks together showing some of the couplers extending around the ends ofintermediate links;

FIG. 15 is an end view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14 showing therelative position of the ends of the links of FIG. 16 when the series ispartially extended;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing a third alternativeembodiment arrangement of links and couplers configured to couple thelinks together showing the links arranged in an alternating pattern;

FIG. 18 is an end view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17 showing therelative position of the ends of the links of FIG. 17 when the series ispartially extended;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing a fourth alternativeembodiment arrangement of links and couplers configured to couple thelinks together showing the alternating link pattern of FIG. 17 and someof the couplers extending around the ends of intermediate links;

FIG. 21 is an end view taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20 showing therelative position of the ends of the links of FIG. 20 when the series ispartially extended;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing a fifth alternativeembodiment arrangement of links and couplers configured to couple thelinks together showing the alternating link pattern of FIG. 17 and someof the couplers including notches to provide clearance for theintermediate links that they span;

FIG. 24 is an end view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 23 showing therelative position of the ends of the links of FIG. 23 when the series ispartially extended;

FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 24 taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing a sixth alternativeembodiment arrangement of links and couplers configured to couple thelinks together showing the link pattern of FIG. 8 and some of the paircouplers spanning intermediate links;

FIG. 27 is an end view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26 showing therelative position of the ends of the links of FIG. 26 when the series ispartially extended;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 26 showingthe relative position of the centers of the links of FIG. 27 when theseries is partially extended;

FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 27 taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment projectorlift showing the projector lift in a slightly extended position;

FIG. 31 is another perspective view of the projector lift of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the projector lift of FIG. 30 showingthe projector lift in a fully extended position;

FIG. 33 is another perspective view of the projector lift of FIG. 30showing the projector lift in the fully extended position;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the projector lift of FIG. 30 and asupport collar showing the projector lift in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 35 is another perspective view of the projector lift of FIG. 30 andsupport collar showing the projector lift in the fully retractedposition;

FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of the projector lift of FIG. 30showing the projector lift in the slightly extended position;

FIG. 37 is a side elevation view of the projector lift of FIG. 30showing the projector lift in the fully extended position;

FIG. 38 is a side elevation view of the projector lift of FIG. 30 andsupport collar showing the projector lift in the fully retractedposition;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a bracket and stabilizer of theprojector lift of FIG. 30 showing the stabilizer in a slightly extendedposition;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the bracket and stabilizer of theprojector lift of FIG. 30 showing the stabilizer in a fully extendedposition;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the bracket and stabilizer of theprojector lift of FIG. 30 showing the stabilizer in a substantiallyretracted position;

FIG. 42 is side elevation view of an alternative embodiment projectorlift showing the projector lift including an adjustable linkage systemand tile support for supporting a ceiling tile;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of another alternative embodimentprojector lift showing the projector lift in a slightly extendedposition;

FIG. 44 is another perspective view of the projector lift of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 a partial assembly view of one stabilizer of the projector liftof FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 45 showing a link couplerand pin positioned for assembly to a link; and

FIG. 47 side elevation view of a stabilizer of the projector lift ofFIG. 43 showing cables installed on the stabilizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An audio/visual system 10 in accordance with the present disclosure isshown in FIG. 1. System 10 includes a projector 12 and a projector lift14. Lift 14 is configured to move projector 12 from a storage positionto a use position where projector 12 shines an image on a projectionscreen (not shown) or other surface.

When in the storage position, lift 14 and projector 12 are preferablyconcealed in a ceiling 16 of a structure, such as a conference room.Thus, when projector 12 is not in use, it is tucked up in ceiling 16 andnot visible so that the aesthetic qualities of the room are maintained.To use projector 12, lift 14 lowers projector 12 into the room so thatthe image can be shown on the projection screen.

As shown in FIG. 1, lift 14 includes a housing 18 having a ceiling mount20 coupled to ceiling 16 of the structure and a projector mount 22supporting projector 12. Lift 14 further includes a driver 24 thatraises and lower projector mount 22 and projector 12 relative to ceilingmount 20 and ceiling 16. Lift 14 further includes one or morestabilizers 26 that stabilize projector mount 22 during raising,lowering, and/or operation of projector 12.

The overall length of stabilizer 26 changes as projector 12 is raisedand lowered by driver 22. For example, when projector 12 is in thestorage position, stabilizer 26 had a retracted length 28, as shown inFIG. 2, and when projector 12 is in the use position, stabilizer 26 hasan extended length 30, as shown in FIG. 3, that is greater thanretracted length 28.

Lift 14 is preferably configured to lower projector 12 to a serviceposition where it is convenient to add or remove projector 12 fromprojector mount 22 for installation, service, or replacement. Theservice position, shown in phantom in FIG. 1, is below the use positionso that a service technician can install, service, or remove projector12 while standing on the floor. To permit projector 12 to be lowered forservicing, stabilizer 26 must extend beyond length 30 to a furtherextended service length 32 permitting a technician to install, remove,and/or repair projector 14.

In many instances, a space 34, shown in FIG. 1, between a lower ceilingsurface 36 and ceiling structure 38, such as the floor joist, ceilingrafters, or other structure to which lift 14 is mounted, is limited. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, distance 40 indicates the limited clearancebetween structure 38 and ceiling surface 36. Therefore, if projector 12is to be positioned totally within ceiling 16, system 10 must have anoverall retracted height 42, shown in FIG. 2, that is less than or equalto distance 40. According to an alternative installation of the system,the lift is mounted on the ceiling surface or elsewhere so that theprojector is positioned below the ceiling when in the retracted orstorage position.

To reduce overall height 42 of system 10 when in the storage position,stabilizer 26 is configured to have minimal retracted length 28. Asshown in FIG. 2, stabilizer 26 includes a series 46 of extension units48. Extension units 48 cooperate to give series 46 extended length 30and retracted length 28. Each unit 48 has a height 52, length 54, and awidth 56. As shown in FIG. 2, when series 46 is fully retracted,retracted length 28 of stabilizer 26 is equal to height 52 of one ofunits 48.

Extension units 48 are stacked side-by-side in a direction 58 that islateral or non-parallel to a direction 60 of extension and retraction ofseries 46. Preferably, the addition of more extension units 48 to series46 increases extended length 30 of stabilizer 26 to permit lowering ofprojector 12 to the service position, but does not increase retractedlength 28 of stabilizer 26. According to alternative embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the addition of some extensions units increases theretracted length of the stabilizers.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure,extension units 48 are scissor pairs 62 as shown in FIG. 4. Eachrespective scissor pair 62 extends or is oriented between ceiling mount20 and projector mount 22. According to alternative embodiments of thepresent disclosure, other extension units such as telescoping members(tubes, sliding plates, etc.), standard scissor pairs (see, for example,U.S. Design Pat. 395,909, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein), rigid bellows, or other extensionunits known to those of ordinary skill in the art are used.

Preferably, each scissor pair 62 includes a first link 64 (shown ingray) and a second link 66 coupled to respective first link 64 by a paircoupler 68 at a pivot location 70 to pivot about a pivot axis 72.(Reference to components as first, second, third, etc. is used toprovide a convenient reference to otherwise similar or identicalcomponents, but is not intended to limit those components to a specificsequence or location). First and second links 64, 66 of a first pair 74are preferably coupled to ceiling mount 20 by respective ceiling mountcouplers 76, 78. Similarly, first and second links 64, 66 of a fifth orlast pair 80 are preferably coupled to projector mount 22 by respectiveprojector mount couplers 82, 84. First links 64 of intermediate pairs86, 88, 90 are coupled to one another by first link couplers 92 andsecond links 66 of intermediate pairs 86, 88, 90 are coupled to oneanother by second link couplers 94.

As shown in FIG. 5, preferably, each first link 64 is positionedadjacent to respective second link 66 of the same scissor pair 62.However, according to the present disclosure, links 64, 66 from otherpairs may be positioned between the respective first and second links64, 66 of a pair 62. See, for example, FIG. 26. According to someembodiments of the present disclosure, the link arrangement alternatesfirst link 64, second link 66, first link 64, second link 66 in theirposition relative to mount 20 as shown, for example in FIG. 6. Accordingto the present disclosure, other alternative arrangements are alsoprovided. For example, according to the preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the link arrangement alternates first link 64,second link 66, second link 66, first link 64, in their positionrelative to mount 20 as shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 6, first and second link couplers 92, 94 are providedto couple first and second links 64, 66 together. Some first linkcouplers 92 span an intermediate second link 66. Similarly, some secondlinks couplers 94 span an intermediate first link 64. According to someembodiments of the present disclosure, some of first link couplers 92(shown on the right) span two intermediate second links 66 and otherfirst link couplers 92 (shown on the left) do not span any intermediatesecond links 66. See also, for example, FIG. 7. Similarly, some ofsecond link couplers 94 (shown on the right) span two intermediate firstlinks 64 and other second link couplers 94 (shown on the left) do notspan any intermediate first links 64. Spanning permits scissor pairs 62to be positioned side-by-side in a direction lateral or non-parallel tothe extension of the series of scissor pairs 62, as shown in FIG. 4.

Preferably, couplers 68, 76, 78, 82, 84, 92, 94 and links 64, 66 areconfigured to permit series 46 to move to minimal retracted length 28.Each link 64, 66 has a length 96, height 98, and a width. Preferably,when series 46 is in its retracted position, the retracted length ofseries 46 is substantially equal to height 98.

Couplers 68, 76, 78, 82, 84, 92, 94 and links 64, 66 cooperate to permitthe couplers to span respective intermediate links 64, 66, if any, andpermit series 46 to collapse to height 98. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, the series does not fullycollapse to the height of a single link but collapses to other heightsless than the sum of the height of the links. For example, according toone embodiment of the present disclosure, the series collapses tothree-quarters of the sum of heights of the first links. According toother embodiments of the present disclosure, the series collapses toone-half, one-quarter, or some other fraction of the sum of the heightsof the first links. According to other embodiments, the series collapsesto a height greater than or equal to the sum of the height of the links.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, shown inFIGS. 8-10, a series 146 is provided including a plurality of first andsecond links 164, 166 and respective couplers 168, 176, 178, 182, 184,192, 192′, 194, 194′ that couple links 164, 166 together and to mounts20, 22. Notches 112 formed in second links 166 permit series 146 tocollapse to a retracted height 198. As shown in the diagrammatic view ofthe preferred embodiment in FIGS. 8-10, five scissor pairs 162 areprovided. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, fewer or more pair(s) are provided with the variousdisclosed embodiments. For example, according to one embodiment, onlyone scissor pair is provided. According to others, as many scissor pairsas needed to reach the proper extended length are provided.

As shown in FIG. 8, first links 164 and second links 166 alternate inpairs in their position relative to ceiling mount 20. Mount coupler 176couples first link 164 of first pair 174 to mount 20 without spanning asecond link 166. Mount coupler 178 spans first link 164 of first pair174 to pivotably couple second link 166 of first pair 174 to mount 20.Mount coupler 182 spans second link 164 of last pair 180 to couple firstlink 164 of last pair 180 to projector mount 22. Mount coupler 184couples second link 164 to mount 22 without spanning a first link 164.

A plurality of pair couplers 168 couple the respective first and secondlinks 164. 166 of scissor pairs 162 together. As shown in FIG. 8, paircouplers 168 are offset from midpoints of links 164, 166 so that thelength of each link 164, 166 on either side of the respective paircouplers 168 is different. For example, more of first link 164 of firstpair 174 is positioned to the left of pair coupler 168 than ispositioned to the right of pair coupler 168. Similarly, more of secondlink 166 of first pair 174 is positioned to the right of pair coupler168 than is positioned to the left of pair coupler 168.

As shown in FIG. 8, first link couplers 192, 192′ extend between andcouple respective first links 164 together. First link coupler 192 spanssecond links 166 of first and second pairs 174, 186 to couple first link164 of first pair 174 to first link 164 of second pair 186. First linkcoupler 192′ couples first link 164 of second pair 186 to first link 164of third pair 188 without spanning any intermediate second links 166.This pattern of coupling first links 164 continues until first link 164of fifth pair 180.

Second link couplers 194, 194′ extend between and couple respectivesecond links 166 together. Second link coupler 194 couples second link166 of first pair 174 to second link 166 of second pair 186 withoutspanning any intermediate first links 164. Second link coupler 194′spans first links 164 of second and third pairs 186, 188 to couplesecond link 166 of second pair 186 to second link 166 of third pair 188.This pattern of coupling second links 166 continues until second link166 of fifth pair 180.

During extension and retraction of series 146, each of the individualfirst and second links 164, 166, and scissor pairs 162 moves in arespective vertical plane. For example, first pair 174 moves in avertical plane that is off center from and parallel to a differentvertical plane in which second pair 186 moves. Similarly, first link 164of first pair 174 rotates or pivots in a vertical plane that is adjacentto and parallel to a vertical plane in which second link 166 of firstpair 174 rotates or pivots. These two planes cooperate to define thevertical plane in which first pair 174 moves. First link 164 of secondpair 186 also rotates in a vertical plane this is laterally spaced apartfrom the plane of first link 164 of first pair 174. Second link 166 offirst pair 174 is positioned between these planes.

As shown in FIG. 10 (see also FIG. 39), second link 166 of first pair174 includes a notch 112 on a bottom side 114 thereof. (FIGS. 9, 10, 12,13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, and 29 are taken through thelinks at the location of the respective couplers) Notch 112 ispositioned to receive first link coupler 192 to provide clearancetherefor so that first links 164 of first and second pairs 174, 186 canfully collapse. Therefore, when series 146 is fully collapsed, firstlinks 164 of first and second pairs 174, 186 are at substantially thesame level as second link 166 of first pair 174.

Second link 166 of second pair 186 includes a notch 112 on a top side116 thereof. This notch 112 is also positioned to receive first linkcoupler 192 to provide clearance therefor so that second and third pairs186, 188 fully collapse. Notches 112 are also provided on bottom sides114 of second links 166 of third and fifth pairs 188, 180 and on topsides 116 of second link 166 of fourth pair 190. Thus, notches 112provide one way of permitting couplers 192 to span one or moreintermediate second links 166 by passing couplers 192 through respectivesecond links 166. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, notches in the links are not provided and the scissor pairsdo not fully collapse, but only partially collapse.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, therelative location of first and second links 164, 166 of scissor pairs162 and pair couplers 168 provides one way for couplers 194′ to span oneor more intermediate first links 164. As shown in FIG. 8, the locationof coupler 194′ on second links 166 of first and second pairs 174, 186is beyond the ends of first links 164 of second and third pairs 186,188. Thus, a space 118 exists between coupler 194′ and the ends of firstlinks 164 of second and third pairs 186, 188 to provide clearance forfirst links 164 of second and third pairs 186, 188 to fully collapse.Similarly, mount coupler 178 is spaced apart from first link 164 offirst pair 174 to permit first pair 174 to fully collapse. According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure (see, for example,FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 11, 14, 20, and 23), the pair coupler is located onthe midpoint of the respective links.

Multiple alternative link and coupler configurations are provided forpositioning the scissor pairs in a side-by-side relationship. Forexample, in FIGS. 11-13, notched first and second link couplers 292,294′ that provide clearance for respective second and first links 266,264 are shown. Second link couplers 394 that extend around the ends offirst links 264, as shown in FIG. 14, and additional notched firstcouplers 292 are provided in another alternative embodiment. As shown inFIGS. 17-19, an alternative arrangement of first links 164, 464 andsecond links 166, 466 is provided with first and second link couplers492, 494 than span intermediate second and first links 164, 464, 166,466. Another alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 20-22, providesalternating first and second links 264, 566, first link couplers 492that span single intermediate second links 566, and second link couplers594 that span single intermediate first links 264. As shown in FIGS.23-25, according to another alternative embodiment, notched first andsecond links couplers 692, 694 are provided that span single second andfirst links 264, 266. Another alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS.26-29, provides pairs of first and second links 164, 166 withintermediate first and second links 164, 166 positioned therebetween andpair couplers 768 that span intermediate first and second links 164, 166to couple the respective first and second links 164, 166 together.

According to a first alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, aseries 246 is provided including a plurality of first and second links264, 266 as shown in FIGS. 11-13. Respective couplers 168, 176, 278,282, 184, 192′, 292, 194, 294′ are also provided that couple links 264,266 together and to mounts 20, 22.

As shown in FIG. 11, first links 264 and second links 266 alternate inpairs in their position relative to ceiling mount 20. Mount coupler 176couples first link 264 of first pair 274 to mount 20 without spanning asecond link 266. Mount coupler 278 spans first link 264 of first pair274 to pivotably couple second link 266 of first pair 274 to mount 20.Mount coupler 282 spans second link 264 of last pair 280 to couple firstlink 264 of last pair 280 to projector mount 22. Mount coupler 184couples second link 264 to mount 22 without spanning a first link 264.

A plurality of pair couplers 168 couple the respective first and secondlinks 264, 266 of scissor pairs 262 together. As shown in FIG. 11, paircouplers 168 are positioned at the midpoints of links 264, 266.

As shown in FIG. 11, first link couplers 292, 192′ extend between andcouple respective first links 264 together. First link coupler 292completely spans second links 266 of first and second pairs 274, 286 tocouple first link 264 of first pair 274 to first link 264 of second pair286. First link coupler 192′ couples first link 264 of second pair 286to first link 264 of third pair 288 without spanning any intermediatesecond links 266. This pattern of coupling first links 264 continuesuntil first link 264 of fifth pair 280.

Second link couplers 194, 294′ extend between and couple respectivesecond links 266 together. Second link coupler 194 couples second link266 of first pair 274 to second link 266 of second pair 286 withoutspanning any intermediate first links 264. Second link coupler 294′completely spans first links 264 of second and third pairs 286, 288 tocouple second link 266 of second pair 286 to second link 266 of thirdpair 288. This pattern of coupling second links 266 continues untilsecond link 266 of fifth pair 280.

As shown in FIG. 13, mount coupler 278 includes a downwardly facingnotch 212 sized to receive first link 264 of first pair 274. Similarly,mount coupler 282 includes an upwardly facing notch 214 sized to receivesecond link 264 of fifth pair 280. First link couplers 292 includeupwardly facing notches 216 and downwardly facing notches 218 sized toreceive respective second links 266. Similarly, second link couplers294′ include upwardly facing notches 220 and downwardly facing notches222 sized to receive respective first links 264. Notches 212, 214, 216,218, 220, 222 are positioned to receive respective first and secondlinks 264, 266 to provide clearance therefor so that first and secondlinks 264, 266 of scissor pairs 262 can more fully collapse. Accordingto an alternative embodiment of the present disclosures, the links arealso provided with notices to receive the notched couplers of thevarious embodiments disclosed.

When series 226 is collapsed, first and second links 264, 266 aresubstantially at the same level. Thus, notches 212, 214, 216, 218, 220,222 provide another way of permitting couplers to span one or moreintermediate first or second link 264, 266 by passing couplers overand/or under first and second links 264, 266. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, notches in the couplers are notprovided.

According to a second alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,a series 346 is provided including a plurality of first and second links264, 266 as shown in FIGS. 14-16. Respective couplers 168, 176, 378,282, 184, 192′, 292, 194, 394 are also provided that couple links 264,266 together and to mounts 20, 22.

As shown in FIG. 14, first links 264 and second links 266 alternate inpairs in their position relative to ceiling mount 20. Mount coupler 176couples first link 264 of first pair 274 to mount 20 without spanning asecond link 266. Mount coupler 378 completely spans first link 264 offirst pair 274 to pivotably couple second link 266 of first pair 274 tomount 20. Mount coupler 282 spans second link 264 of last pair 280 tocouple first link 264 of last pair 280 to projector mount 22. Mountcoupler 184 couples second link 264 to mount 22 without spanning a firstlink 264.

First link couplers 192′, 292 of series 346 are arranged identically tofirst link couplers 192′, 292 of series 246 as described above. Secondlink couplers 194, 394 extend between and couple second links 266together. Second link coupler 194 couples second link 266 of first pair274 to second link 266 of second pair 286 without spanning anyintermediate first links 264. Second link coupler 394 spans first links264 of second and third pairs 286, 288 to couple second link 266 ofsecond pair 286 to second link 266 of third pair 288. This pattern ofcoupling second links 266 continues until fifth pair 280.

As shown in FIG. 14, mount coupler 378 includes an inwardly facing notch312 sized to receive an end of first link 264 of first pair 274.Similarly, second link couplers 394 include inwardly facing notches 314sized to receive a pair of respective first links 264. Notches 312, 314are positioned to receive respective first and second links 264, 266 toprovide clearance therefor so that first and second links 264, 266 ofscissor pairs 262 can more fully collapse.

When series 326 is collapsed, first and second links 264, 266 are atsubstantially the same level. Thus, notches 312, 314 provide another wayof permitting couplers to span one or more intermediate first or secondlink 264, 266 by extending couplers around the ends of first links 264.According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, notchesare not provided.

According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a series 446is provided including a plurality of first and second links 164, 464,166, 466 as shown in FIGS. 17-19. Respective couplers 168, 176, 178,182, 184, 492, 494 are provided that couple links 164, 464, 166, 466together and to mounts 20, 22.

As shown in FIG. 17, first links 164, 464, and second links 166, 466alternate in their position relative to ceiling mount 20. Mount coupler176 couples first link 464 of first pair 474 to mount 20 withoutspanning a second link 166, 466. Mount coupler 178 spans first link 464of first pair 474 to pivotably couple second link 466 of first pair 474to mount 20. Mount coupler 182 spans second link 464 of last pair 480 tocouple first link 464 of last pair 480 to projector mount 22. Mountcoupler 184 couples second link 464 to mount 22 without spanning a firstlink 164, 464.

A plurality of pair couplers 168 couple the respective first and secondlinks 164, 464, 166, 466 of scissor pairs 462 together. As shown in FIG.17, pair couplers 168 are offset from midpoints of links 164, 464, 166,466 so that the length of each link 164, 464, 166, 466 on either side ofthe respective pair couplers 168 is different. For example, more offirst link 464 of first pair 474 is positioned to the left of paircoupler 168 than is positioned to the right of pair coupler 168.Similarly, more of second link 466 of first pair 474 is positioned tothe right of pair coupler 168 than is positioned to the left of paircoupler 168.

As shown in FIG. 17, first link couplers 492 extend between and couplerespective first links 464, 164 together. One first link coupler 492spans second link 466 of first pair 474 to couple first link 464 offirst pair 474 to first link 164 of second pair 186. Another first linkcoupler 492 spans second link 166 of second pair 186 to couple firstlink 164 of second pair 186 to first link 464 of third pair 488. Thispattern of coupling first links 164, 464 continues until first link 464of fifth pair 480.

Second link couplers 494 extend between and couple respective secondlinks 166, 466 together. One second link coupler 494 spans first link164 of second link pair 186 to couple second link 466 of first pair 474to second link 166 of second pair 186. Another second link coupler 494spans first link 464 of third pair 488 to couple second link 166 ofsecond pair 186 to second link 466 of third pair 488. This pattern ofcoupling second links 166, 466 continues until second link 466 of fifthpair 480.

Similar to the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10, second link 166of second pair 186 includes a notch 112 on a bottom side 114 thereof.Notch 112 is positioned to receive first link coupler 492 to provideclearance therefor so that first links 164, 464 of second and third 186,374 can more fully collapse. Therefore, when series 446 is collapsed,first links 164, 464 of second and third pairs 186, 488 are atsubstantially the same level as second link 166 of second pair 186.Second link 166 of fourth pair 490 also includes a notch 112.

First link 464 of first pair 474 includes a notch 412 on a top side 416thereof. This notch 412 is positioned to receive mount coupler 178 toprovide clearance therefor so that first and second pairs 474, 186 canmore fully collapse. Notches 412 are also provided on top sides 416 offirst links 464 of third and fifth pairs 488, 480 to provide clearancefor respective second link couplers 494. Thus, notches 112, 412 provideanother way of permitting couplers 492, 178, 494 to span one or moreintermediate first or second links 464, 466 by passing couplers 492,178, 494 through respective links 464, 466. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, notches are not provided.

According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the relativelocation of first and second links 464, 164, 466, 166 of scissor pairs462, 162 and pair couplers 168 provides a way for couplers 494, 492 tospan one or more intermediate second or first links 466, 164. As shownin FIG. 17, the location of couplers 494 on second links 466, 166 offirst and second pairs 474, 186 is beyond the ends of first link 164 ofsecond pair 186. Thus, a space 418 exists between coupler 494 and theends of first link 164 of second pair 186 to provide clearance for firstlink 164 of second pair 186 to collapse.

The location of couplers 492 on first links 464, 164 of first and secondpairs 474, 186 is beyond the ends of second link 466 of first pair 474.Thus, a space 418′ exists between coupler 492 and the ends of secondlink 466 of first pair 486 to provide clearance for second link 466 offirst pair 474 to collapse. Similarly, mount coupler 182 is spaced apartfrom second link 464 of fifth pair 480 to permit fifth pair 480 tocollapse.

According to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, a series 546is provided including a plurality of first and second links 264, 566, asshown in FIGS. 20-22. Respective couplers 168, 176, 378, 182, 184, 492,594 are provided that couple links 264, 566 together and to mounts 20,22.

As shown in FIG. 20, first links 264 and second links 566 alternate intheir position relative to ceiling mount 20. Mount coupler 176 couplesfirst link 264 of first pair 574 to mount 20 without spanning a secondlink 566. Mount coupler 378 spans first link 264 of first pair 574 topivotably couple second link 566 of first pair 574 to mount 20. Mountcoupler 182 spans second link 566 of last pair 580 to couple first link264 of last pair 580 to projector mount 22. Mount coupler 184 couplessecond link 566 to mount 22 without spanning a first link 264. Aplurality of pair couplers 168 couple the respective first and secondlinks 264, 566 of scissor pairs 562 together.

As shown in FIG. 20, first link couplers 492 extend between and couplerespective first links 264 together. One first link coupler 492 spanssecond link 566 of first pair 574 to couple first link 264 of first pair574 to first link 264 of second pair 586. Another first link coupler 492spans second link 566 of second pair 586 to couple first link 264 ofsecond pair 586 to first link 264 of third pair 588. This pattern ofcoupling first links 264 continues until first link 264 of fifth pair580.

Second link couplers 594 extend between and couple respective secondlinks 566 together. One second link coupler 594 spans first link 264 ofsecond link pair 586 to couple second link 566 of first pair 574 tosecond link 566 of second pair 586. Another second link coupler 594spans first link 264 of third pair 588 to couple second link 566 ofsecond pair 586 to second link 566 of third pair 588. This pattern ofcoupling second links 566 continues until second link 566 of fifth pair580.

Similar to the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10, each secondlink 566 includes a notch 512 on a bottom side 518 thereof. Notches 512are positioned to receive first link couplers 492 to provide clearancetherefor so that first links 264 can more fully collapse. For example,when series 546 is collapsed, first links 264 of second and third pairs586, 588 are at substantially the same level as second link 566 ofsecond pair 586.

Mount coupler 378 includes notch 312 and is substantially identical inform and function to mount coupler 378 of the second alternativeembodiment shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 20, similar to mountcoupler 378, second link couplers 594 include inwardly facing notches514 sized to receive respective first links 264. Notches 312, 514 arepositioned to receive respective first links 264 to provide clearancetherefor so that first and second links 264, 566 of scissor pairs 562can more fully collapse.

When series 546 is collapsed, first and second links 264, 566 are atsubstantially the same level. Thus, notches 512, 312, 514 provideanother way of permitting couplers to span one or more intermediatefirst or second link 264, 266 by extending couplers through second links566 and around first links 264. According to alternative embodiments ofthe present disclosure, notches are not provided.

According to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, a series 646is provided including a plurality of first and second links 264, 266, asshown in FIGS. 23-25. Respective couplers 168, 176, 278, 282, 184, 692,694 are provided that couple links 264, 266 together and to mounts 20,22.

As shown in FIG. 23, first links 264 and second links 266 alternate intheir position relative to ceiling mount 20. Mount coupler 176 couplesfirst link 264 of first pair 274 to mount 20 without spanning a secondlink 266. Mount coupler 278 spans first link 264 of first pair 274 topivotably couple second link 266 of first pair 274 to mount 20. Mountcoupler 282 spans second link 266 of last pair 280 to couple first link264 of last pair 280 to projector mount 22. Mount coupler 184 couplessecond link 262 to mount 22 without spanning a first link 264. Aplurality of pair couplers 168 couple the respective first and secondlinks 264, 266 of scissor pairs 262 together.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, first link couplers 692 extend between andcouple respective first links 264 together. One first link coupler 692spans second link 266 of first pair 274 to couple first link 264 offirst pair 274 to first link 264 of second pair 286. Another first linkcoupler 692 spans second link 266 of second pair 286 to couple firstlink 264 of second pair 286 to first link 264 of third pair 288. Thispattern of coupling first links 264 continues until first link 264 offifth pair 280.

Second link couplers 694 extend between and couple respective secondlinks 266 together. One second link coupler 694 spans first link 264 ofsecond pair 286 to couple second link 266 of first pair 274 to secondlink 266 of second pair 286. Another second link coupler 694 spans firstlink 264 of third pair 288 to couple second link 266 of second pair 286to second link 264 of third pair 290. This pattern of coupling secondlinks 266 continues until second link 266 of fifth pair 280.

As mentioned above, mount couplers 278, 282 include respectivedownwardly and upwardly facing notches 212, 214 sized to receiverespective first and second links 264, 266 of respective first and fifthpairs 274, 280. Similarly, first link couplers 692 include upwardlyfacing notches 616 sized to receive second links 266 and second linkcouplers 694 include downwardly facing notches 618 sized to receivefirst links 264. Notches 212, 214, 616, 618 are positioned to receiverespective first and second links 264, 266 to provide clearance thereforso that first and second links 264, 266 of scissor pairs 262 can morefully collapse.

When series 626 is collapsed, first and second links 264, 266 are atsubstantially the same level. Thus, notches 212, 214, 616, 618 provideanother way of permitting couplers to span one or more intermediatefirst or second link 264, 266 by passing couplers over and/or underfirst and second links 264, 266. According to alternative embodiments ofthe present disclosure, notches are not provided.

According to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, a series 746is provided including a plurality of first and second links 164, 166.Respective couplers 768, 168, 176, 778, 282, 184, 192, 192′, 194, 194′,494 are provided that couple links 164, 166 together and to mounts 20,22.

As shown in FIG. 26, first links 164 and second links 166 alternate inpairs in their position relative to ceiling mount 20. A link 164, 166 ofan adjacent pair 762 is positioned between links 164, 166 of the samepair 762. For example, first link 164 of second pair 786 is positionedbetween first and second links 164, 166 of first pair 774. Similarly,second link 166 of first pair 774 is positioned between first and secondlinks 164, 166 of second pair 786. This pattern continues until lastpair 780 in which first and second pairs 164, 166 are positionedadjacent each other.

Mount coupler 176 couples first link 164 of first pair 774 to mount 20without spanning a second link 166. Mount coupler 778 spans first links164 of first and second pairs 774, 786 to pivotably couple second link166 of first pair 774 to mount 20. Mount coupler 282 spans second link164 of last pair 180 to couple first link 164 of last pair 780 toprojector mount 22. Mount coupler 184 couples second link 164 to mount22 without spanning a first link 164.

A plurality of pair couplers 768, 168 couple the respective first andsecond links 164, 166 of scissor pairs 762 together. As shown in FIG.26, pair couplers 768, 168 are offset from midpoints of links 164, 166so that the length of each link 164, 166 on either side of therespective pair couplers 768, 168 is different. For example, more offirst link 164 of first pair 774 is positioned to the left of paircoupler 768 than is positioned to the right of pair coupler 768.Similarly, more of second link 166 of first pair 774 is positioned tothe right of pair coupler 768 than is positioned to the left of paircoupler 768. Pair couplers 768 span intermediate links 164, 166 ofadjacent scissor pairs 762. For example, pair coupler 768 of first pair774 spans first link 164 of second pair 786 to couple first and secondlinks 164, 166 of first pair 774 together. Pair coupler 168 of fifthpair 180 does not span an intermediate link 164, 166.

As shown in FIG. 26, first link couplers 192, 192′ extend between andcouple respective first links 164 together. First link coupler 192 spanssecond links 166 of first and second pairs 774, 786 to couple first link164 of second pair 786 to first link 164 of third pair 788. First linkcoupler 192′ couples first link 164 of first pair 774 to first link 164of second pair 786 without spanning any intermediate second links 166.This pattern of coupling first links 164 continues until first link 164of fifth pair 180.

Second link couplers 194, 194′, 494 extend between and couple respectivesecond links 166 together. Second link coupler 194 couples second link166 of first pair 774 to second link 166 of second pair 786 withoutspanning any intermediate first links 164. Second link coupler 194′spans first links 164 of third and fourth pairs 788, 790 to couplesecond link 166 of third pair 188 to second link 166 of fourth pair 790.Second link coupler 494 spans first link 164 of fifth pair 180 to couplesecond link 166 of fourth pair 790 to second link 166 of fifth pair 180.

As mentioned above, mount coupler 282 includes an upwardly facing notch214 sized to receive second link 166 of fifth pair 180. Similarly, paircouplers 768 include notches 716 sized to receive respective first andsecond links 164, 166. Notches 214, 716 are positioned to receiverespective first and second links 164, 166 to provide clearance thereforso that first and second links 164, 166 of scissor pairs 762, 162 canmore fully collapse.

The relative location of first and second links 164, 166 of scissorpairs 162 and pair couplers 768, 168 provides a way for couplers 778,192, 194′ to span one or more intermediate first links 164. As shown inFIG. 26, the location of coupler 194′ on second links 166 of second andthird pairs 786, 788 is beyond the ends of first links 164 of third andfourth pairs 788, 790. Thus, a space 118 exists between coupler 194′ andthe ends of first links 164 of third and fourth pairs 788, 790 toprovide clearance for first links 164 of third and fourth pairs 788, 790to more fully collapse. Similarly, mount coupler 778 and second linkcoupler 494 are spaced apart from first links 164 to permit first,second, and fifth pairs 774, 786, 180 to more fully collapse.

According to other alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,other configurations of links and couplers are provided. For example,according to one alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, thelinks have different overall lengths. According to another alternativeembodiment, the couplers span three or more intermediate links.According to yet another embodiment, two or more links are positionedbetween links of the same scissor pair.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a firstportion of a series of scissor pairs are stacked side-by-side in a firstdirection and coupled to an end link and the remaining portion of theseries is coupled to the end link and stacked side-by-side in a seconddirection opposite the first directions (i.e. a set of side-by-sidescissor pairs are stacked on top of another set of side-by-sidescissors). Therefore, the series of scissor pairs has a minimumretracted height equal to the sum of the heights of two links, but twicethe extension of a single side-by-side stack of the same series width.According to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure,the series of scissor pairs includes both scissor pairs that are stackedside-by-side and standard scissor pairs that are stacked on top of eachother.

An audio/visual system 810 according to the preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure is shown in FIGS. 30-41. System 810 includes aprojector (not shown) and a projector lift 814. Lift 814 is configuredto move the projector from a storage position to a use position wherethe projector shines an image on a projection screen (not shown) orother surface.

As shown in FIG. 30, lift 814 includes a housing 818 having a ceilingmount 820 adapted to be coupled to the ceiling of the structure and aprojector mount 822 adapted to support the projector. Lift 814 furtherincludes a driver 824 that raises and lower projector mount 822 and theprojector relative to ceiling mount 820 and the ceiling. Lift 814further includes three stabilizers 826 that stabilize projector mount822 during raising, lowering, and/or operation of the projector.According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, themounts are incorporated into the building structure and projector.

The overall lengths of stabilizers 826 change as the projector is raisedand lowered by driver 824. For example, when the projector is in thestorage position (shown in FIGS. 34, 35, and 38), stabilizers 826 have aretracted length 828 (shown in FIG. 41) and when the projector is in theuse position (shown in FIGS. 30, 31, and 36), stabilizers 826 haveextended lengths 830 (shown in FIG. 39) that are greater than retractedlength 828.

Lift 814 is preferably configured to lower the projector to a serviceposition (shown in FIGS. 32, 33, and 37) where it is convenient to addor remove the projector from projector mount 822 for installation,service, or replacement. The service position is below the use positionso that a service technician can install, service, or remove theprojector while standing on the floor. To permit the projector to belowered for servicing, stabilizer 826 must extend beyond length 830 to afurther extended service length 832 (shown in FIG. 40) permitting atechnician to install, remove, and/or repair the projector.

As mentioned above, the space between the lower ceiling surface and theceiling structure is often limited. Therefore, if the projector is to bepositioned totally within the ceiling, system 810 must have an overallheight that will fit within the limited space. According to analternative installation of the system, the lift is mounted on theceiling surface or elsewhere so that the projector is positioned belowthe ceiling when in the retracted position.

As shown best in FIG. 39, each stabilizer 826 includes a series 846 ofscissor pairs 862. Scissor pairs 862 cooperate to give series 846 anextended length 850 (shown in FIG. 39) and a retracted length 844 (shownin FIG. 41). Each scissor pair 862 has a minimum height 852, a maximumlength 854, and a width 856 when fully retracted. When series 846 issubstantially fully retracted, retracted length 844 of series 846 isslightly larger than height 852 of one of scissor pairs 862. Preferably,when series 846 is completely retracted, retracted length 844 issubstantially equal to height 852.

Scissor pairs 862 are stacked side-by-side in a direction 858 that islateral to a direction 860 of extension and retraction of series 846.Preferably, the addition of more scissor pairs 862 to the seriesincreases the extended length of the stabilizers to permit lowering ofthe projector to an even lower service position, but does not increasethe retracted length of the stabilizer.

Preferably, each scissor pair 862 includes a first link 864 and a secondlink 866 coupled to respective first link 864 by a pair coupler 868 at apivot location 870 to pivot about a pivot axis 872 as shown in FIG. 39.Preferably, each first link 864 is positioned adjacent to respectivesecond link 866 of the same scissor pair 862, but alternate in pairs sothat first links 864 are adjacent to first links 864 of adjacent scissorpairs 862 and second links 866 are adjacent to second links 866 ofadjacent scissor pairs 862. See, for example, FIG. 8.

Each first link 864 has a fixed length 865, a fixed width 867, and afixed height 869. Similarly, each second link 864 has similar fixeddimensions. Retracted length 844 of series 846 is less than the sum ofheights 869 of first links 864. The sum of heights 869 equals the numberof first links 864 times height 869. Because the preferred embodimentincludes five scissor pairs 862, the sum of heights 869 is equal to fivetimes height 869 which is greater than retracted length 844 of series846. Similarly, the sum of heights 852 of scissor pairs 862 is greaterthan the retracted length 844 of series 846.

First and second links 864, 866 of a first pair 874 are preferablycoupled to fixed link or bracket 834, 836 of ceiling mount 820 byrespective ceiling mount couplers 876, 878. Similarly, first and secondlinks 864, 866 of a fifth or last pair 880 are preferably coupled toprojector mount 822 by respective projector mount couplers 882, 884.First links 864 of intermediate pairs 886, 888, 890 are coupled to oneanother by first link couplers 892 and second links 866 of intermediatepairs 886, 888, 890 are coupled to one another by second link couplers894.

Mount coupler 876 couples first link 864 of first pair 874 to brackets834, 836 without spanning a second link 866. Mount coupler 878 spansfirst link 864 of first pair 874 to pivotably couple second link 866 offirst pair 874 to brackets 834, 836. Mount coupler 882 spans second link866 of last pair 880 to couple first link 864 of last pair 880 toprojector mount 822. Mount coupler 884 couples first link 864 to mount822 without spanning a second link 866.

Mount coupler 876 includes a pin 910, a roller (not shown) configured toride in a slot 912, 913 formed in brackets 834, 836 and a spacer (notshown) positioned around pin 910 between first link 864 and brackets834, 836. The ends of pin 910 are swaged to couple pin 910 to the rollerand first link 864. Mount coupler 878 includes a pin 916 with ends thatare swaged to couple pin 916 to second links 866. Mount coupler 884includes a pin 918 and spacer 920 positioned around pin 918 betweensecond link 866 of fifth pair 880 and projector mount 822. The ends ofpin 918 are swaged to couple pin 918 to second link 866 and projectormount 822. Mount coupler 882 includes a pin 922 and roller 924configured to ride in slots 926, 927 formed in projector mount 822. Endsof pin 922 are swaged to couple roller 924 to pin 922 and pin 922 tofirst link 864 of fifth pair 880.

A plurality of pair couplers 868 couple the respective first and secondlinks 864, 866 of scissor pairs 862 together. Coupler 868 includes a pin926 and a spacer (not shown) positioned around pin 926 between first andsecond links 864, 866. The ends of pin 926 are swaged to couple pins 926to first and second links 864. Pair couplers 868 are offset frommidpoints of links 864, 866 so that the length of each link 864, 866 oneither side of the respective pair couplers 868 is different. See, forexample, FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 39, first link couplers 892, 892′ extend between andcouple respective first links 864 together. First link coupler 892 spanssecond links 866 of first and second pairs 874, 886 to couple first link864 of first pair 874 to first link 864 of second pair 886. First linkcoupler 892′ couples first link 864 of second pair 886 to first link 864of third pair 888 without spanning any intermediate second links 866.This pattern of coupling first links 864 continues until first link 864of fifth pair 880.

First link coupler 892 includes a pin 928 that is swaged at both ends tocouple pin 928 to first links 864. First link coupler 892′ includes apin 930 and a spacer 932 positioned around pin 930 between first links864. Pin 930 is swagged at both ends to couple pin 930 to first links864.

Second link couplers 894, 894′ extend between and couple respectivesecond links 866 together. Second link coupler 894 couples second link866 of first pair 874 to second link 866 of second pair 886 withoutspanning any intermediate first links 864. Second link coupler 894′spans first links 864 of second and third pairs 886, 888 to couplesecond link 866 of second pair 886 to second link 866 of third pair 888.This pattern of coupling second links 866 continues until second link866 of fifth pair 880.

Second link coupler 894′ includes a pin 934 that is swaged at both endsto couple pin 934 to second links 866. Second link coupler 894 includesa pin 936 and a spacer 938 positioned around pin 936 between secondlinks 866. Pin 936 is swagged at both ends to couple pin 936 to firstlinks 866.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, othercouplers are provided. For example, according to one embodiment, a bangrivet is used. According to other embodiments, other couplers such asother types of rivets, bolts, screws, or other couplers known to thoseof ordinary skill in the art are provided.

As shown in FIG. 39, second link 866 of first pair 874 includes a notch940 on a bottom side 942 thereof. Notch 940 is positioned to receivefirst link coupler 892 to provide clearance therefor so that first links864 of first and second pairs 874, 886 can more fully collapse.Therefore, when series 846 is fully collapsed, first links 864 of firstand second pairs 874, 886 are at substantially the same level as secondlink 866 of first pair 874.

Second link 866 of second pair 886 includes a notch 940 on a top side944 thereof. This notch 940 is also positioned to receive first linkcoupler 892 to provide clearance therefor so that second and third pairs886, 888 can more fully collapse. Notches 940 are also provided onbottom sides 942 of second links 866 of third and fifth pairs 888, 880and on top sides 944 of second link 866 of fourth pair 890. Thus,notches 940 provide one way of permitting couplers 892 to span one ormore intermediate second links 866 by passing couplers 892 throughrespective second links 866. According to alternative embodiments of thepresent disclosure, notches are provided having other shapes, such as aV-shape, or other configurations that provide full or partial clearancefor the couplers. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, notches are not provided.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, therelative location of first and second links 864, 866 of scissor pairs862 and pair couplers 868 provides a way for couplers 894′ to span oneor more intermediate first links 864. The location of coupler 894′ onsecond links 866 of first and second pairs 874, 886 is beyond the endsof first links 864 of second and third pairs 886, 888. Thus, a spaceexists between coupler 894′ and the ends of first links 864 of secondand third pairs 886, 888 to provide clearance for first links 864 ofsecond and third pairs 886, 888 to more fully collapse. Similarly, mountcoupler 878 is spaced apart from first link 864 of first pair 874 topermit first pair 874 to more fully collapse.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, thelinks and couplers are made of steel. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, the links and couplers are madeof other materials such as other metals, plastics, wood, composites, orother materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingto another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, thecouplers are integral with the links. According to other alternativeembodiments, other couplers and/or link arrangements known to those ofordinary skill in the art are provided with or without notches thatcompletely or partially span intermediate links.

As shown best in FIG. 31, driver 824 includes a tubular motor 1010 and apair of straps 1012 coupled to tubular motor 1012 and projector mount822. Tubular motor 1010 includes a tubular shaft 1014 and an electricmotor 1016 at least partially positioned in an interior region oftubular shaft 1014. Additional details of suitable tubular motors areprovided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,629, titled Projection Screen Systemwith Circuitry for Multi-stage Installation, and U.S. Pat. No.4,159,162, titled Silencer for Electric Motion Picture Screens, thedisclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

To extend projector lift 812, tubular motor 1010 unwraps straps 1012 sothat gravity pulls projector mount 822 and the projector down.Similarly, to raise the projector, tubular motor 1010 rotates in anopposite direction to wrap straps 1012 over themselves. As shown in FIG.31, the portion of straps 1012 being wrapped remains in substantiallythe same longitudinal position as tubular motor rotates.

According to the present disclosure, a speed control 1018 is provided toprevent projector mount 822 from dropping faster than a predeterminedspeed. Speed control 1020 includes a centripetal clutch 1022 and a strap(not shown) that extends from clutch 1022 to projector mount 822. Ifprojector mount 822, and thus the strap, begins to drop too fast,centripetal clutch 1022 brakes or stops movement of the strap to resistdownward movement of projector mount 822 and the projector coupledthereto.

As shown in FIG. 31, the ends of tubular motor 1010 are coupled toceiling mount 820. Each bracket 834 includes an aperture 1024 sized toreceive tubular shaft 1014 of tubular motor 1010. Apertures 1024 areformed in lower edges 1026 of brackets 834. If motor 1010 needs to beremoved for repair or replacement, the ends of motor 1010 are uncoupledfrom ceiling mount 820 and motor 1010 is removed from apertures 1024.According to alternative embodiments, the driver motor is coupled to theprojector mount.

According to the alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,other drivers known to those of ordinary skill in the art are provided.For example, according to one embodiment, a cable and drum arrangementis provided, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,203 to Huffman,the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.According to other embodiments, chain drives, linear alternators, orother drivers known to those of ordinary skill in the art are provided.According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driver, suchas a linear actuator, is coupled to the stabilizer and moves at leastone link of the stabilizer causing extension and retraction of thestabilizer to raise and lower the projector.

Brackets 834, 836 are preferably coupled to an upper pan 1028 of ceilingmount 820. Upper pan 1028 opens downwardly and includes a mount wall1030 normally coupled to the ceiling structure and a rectangularperimeter wall 1032 in which slots 926, 927 are formed. Because pan 1028opens downwardly, the components positioned therein, such as motor 1010and stabilizer 1026, can be accessed by a technician from below.According to the present disclosure, if additional scissor pairs areadded to the series of scissor pairs, the brackets are moved inwardly toaccommodate the extra width of the series.

Projector mount 822 includes an upwardly opening lower pan 1034 thatincludes a mount wall 1035 and a rectangular perimeter wall 1036. Straps1012 and the strap of speed controller 1020 are coupled to mount wall1035. Typically, the Afeet® of the projector are coupled to mount wall1035. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, bracketsfor a particular model projector are provided to couple the project tothe base wall. Slots 926, 927 are formed in perimeter wall 1036.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, othermount configurations are provided. For example, according to oneembodiment, the mount configurations of U.S. Design Pat. No. 395,909 isused. According to another embodiment, the mount configuration of U.S.Pat. No. 5,366,203 is used.

As shown in FIG. 34, housing 818 has a substantial rectangular box-likeshape. According to alternative embodiments, other box-like shapes areprovided, such a square-shaped boxes, taller boxes, shorter boxes,circular boxes, or other shapes known to those of ordinary skill in theart.

As shown in FIG. 34, a collar 1038 is typically provided that defines anopening 1040 in the ceiling through which the projector is raised andlowered. The collar 1038 supports the ceiling tile or other ceilingmaterial, such as drywall. In some applications an inverted plenum box(not shown) is coupled to collar 1038 that surrounds projector lift 814.Collar 1038 is not shown in some of the figures for clarity.

According to the preferred embodiment, a ceiling closure 1042 isprovided to cover opening 1040 when projector lift 814 is in the storageposition. Ceiling closure 1042 includes a ceiling or tile support 1044configured to support a ceiling tile or other portion of the ceiling,such as drywall, and four threaded tie rods 1046. When projector lift814 is in the storage position, rods 1046 are cut to length and ceilingsupport 1044 is coupled to tie rods 1046 by nuts (not shown) so that theceiling tile is flush with the rest of the ceiling. Thus, normallyceiling closure 1042 mates with collar 1038 when projector lift 814 isfully retracted.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure shownin FIG. 42, another ceiling closure 1142 is provided having ceilingsupport 1044. Ceiling closure 1142-includes an adjustable length support1144 for suspending ceiling support 1042 from projector mount 820.Support 1144 includes a plurality of links 1146, 1148, 1150 that arepivotably coupled to one another and projector mount 820 and ceilingsupport 1042. After project lift 814 is mounted to the ceilingstructure, the fasteners (not shown) holding links 1146, 1148, 1150 inposition are loosened to permit links 1146, 1148, 1150 to move relativeto one another so that ceiling support 1042 can be raised (or lowered)to mate with collar 1038. Once in the proper position, the fasteners arere-tightened. Thus, an adjustable length support for the closure isprovided that can change from a rigid state to a non-rigid state so thatthe position of the closure relative to the rest of the projector mountcan be changed. The length of the adjustable support can therefore bedecreased and increased if necessary. According to the presentdisclosure, other adjustable length supports are provided, such as otherlink arrangements, scissor pairs, sliding members, chains, resilientmembers, cables, or other adjustable length supports known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

An audio/visual system 1210 according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure is shown in FIGS. 43-47. System 1210 is similar tosystem 810. Use of reference numbers used to describe system 1210 inFIGS. 43-47 indicates that the component is identical or similar to thecomponent shown in FIGS. 30-41 for system 810. System 1210 includes aprojector (not shown) and a projector lift 1214. Lift 1214 is configuredto move the projector from a storage position to a use position wherethe projector shines an image on a projection screen (not shown) orother surface.

Lift 1214 includes three stabilizers 1216 that stabilize projector mount822 during raising, lowering, and/or operation of the projector. Asshown best in FIG. 43, each stabilizer 1216 includes a series 1218 ofscissor pairs 1220.

Preferably, each scissor pair 1220 includes a first link 1222 and asecond link 1224 coupled to respective first link 1222 by a pair coupler1226 at a pivot location 1228 to pivot about a pivot axis 1230 as shownin FIG. 45.

First and second links 1222, 1224 of a first pair are preferably coupledto fixed link or bracket 834, 836 of ceiling mount 820 by respectiveceiling mount couplers. Similarly, first and second links 1222, 1224 ofa fifth or last pair are preferably coupled to projector mount 822 byrespective projector mount couplers. First links 1222 of theintermediate pairs are coupled to one another by first link couplers1242 and second links 1224 of the intermediate pairs are coupled to oneanother by second link couplers 1244.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, thelinks and couplers are made of plastic. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, the links and couplers are madeof other materials such as other plastics, metal, wood, composites, orother materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Second links couplers 1244 include a hollow pin or coupler member 1246and a blocker or pin 1248 positioned in coupler member 1246 when fullyassembled. Coupler member 1246 includes a stud or body portion 1250 andsnap fasteners 1252 including a plurality of snap fingers, tab-likeflexible members, or flexible tabs 1254 coupled to opposite ends of bodyportion 1250.

First and second links 1222, 1224 include apertures 1256 sized toreceive snap fasteners 1252. Preferably, apertures 1256 extendcompletely through first and second links 1222, 1224 and are defined bya bearing surface 1258 and a rib 1260. According to alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure, the aperture is closed on atleast one end and an interior channel is provided to lock with the snapfingers.

Each snap finger 1254 includes a flexible stem portion 1262, a rampportion 1264, and a catch portion 1266 as shown in FIG. 46. Ramp portion1264 includes a ramp surface 1268 that contacts rib 1260 duringinsertion of snap fastener 1252 into aperture 1256. This contact causesflexible stem portion 1262 to deflect inwardly permitting ramp portions1264 to ride over rib 1260. After ramp portions 1264 pass rib 1260,flexible stem portions 1262 regain their natural position and catchportions 1266 abut rib 1260 to block separation of coupler 1244 fromsecond link 1222.

After couplers 1244 are coupled to second links 1224, coil-spring pins1248 are inserted into pin-receiving apertures 1270 of coupler members1246. Before or during insertion, pins 1248 are squeezed to decreasetheir overall diameter to ease the insertion of pins 1248 intopin-receiving apertures 1270. When released, pins 1248 expand backtoward their natural state and block inward flexing of snap fingers1254. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,other types of blockers are provided. For example, according to oneembodiment, a solid pin is provided.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, threetabs 1254 are provided on each end of body portion 1250 in a circularpattern. The circular pattern provides a pivot permitting first andsecond links 1222 to rotate relative to couplers 1244 during raising andlowering of the projector.

According to other alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,other numbers and configurations flexible tabs are provided. For exampleaccording to one alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, onlyone flexible tabs is provided. According to other embodiments, fewer ormore than three flexible tabs are provided. According to anotheralternative embodiments, flexible tabs are only provided on one end ofthe body portion and the other end is integrally or otherwise coupled tothe respective scissor link. According to alternative embodiments of thepresent disclosure, other snap configurations are provided such as snaprings, Christmas tree fasteners, button snaps, locking tabs, or othersnap fasteners known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Pair couplers 1226 and first link couplers 1242 are substantiallysimilar to each other and similar to second links couplers 1244.However, second link couplers 1244 are substantially longer than paircouplers 1226 and first link couplers 1244 to permit the spanning oflinks as discussed above. Preferably, second link couplers 1244 have alength that is longer than pair couplers 1226 and first link couplers1242 by at least the width of first and second links 1222, 1224.According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, thecouplers are of the same length are provided and used in standardscissor pair arrangement.

As shown in FIG. 45, first and second links 1222, 1224 are substantiallyidentical and include notches 1240 on respective top and bottom sides1272, 1274 thereof. Notches 1240 are positioned to receive second linkcoupler 1244 to provide clearance therefor so that first links 1222 canmore fully collapse as described above. According to other alternativeembodiments, other couplers and/or link arrangements known to those ofordinary skill in the art are provided with or without notches thatcompletely or partially span intermediate links. For example, accordingto one alternative embodiment, non-scissor, parallel links are provided.

Cables 1276 are provided that extend from ceiling mount 820 to theprojector supported on projector mount 822, as shown in FIG. 47, topower and control the operation of the projector or other audio/visualcomponent. According to the preferred embodiment of the presentdisclosure, cables 1276 extend along top and bottom surfaces 1272, 1278,1280, 1274 of both first and second links 1222, 1224. As cables 1276extend down links 1222, 1224, they alternate from being positioned aboveor below respective top and bottom surfaces 1272, 1278, 1280, 1274.

Cables 1276 extend past the ends of links 1222, 1224 as they transitionfrom one link 1222, 1224 to another link 1224, 1222. Preferably, a spaceof ⅝ inches (16 millimeters) is provided at the ends of links 1222, 1224to provide clearance for cable 1276 during raising and lowering.

Couplers 1226 each have a first end positioned axially along the axis ofrotation of the link 1222, 1224 that they couple together. The first endis at a first axial location. Similarly, each coupler 1226 has anopposite, second end positioned axially along the axis of rotation at asecond axial location (see for example, FIG. 46). A portion of at leastone of the first and second cables 1276 supported by the series ofscissor pairs has a third axial location. The second axial location ofthe second end of one of the couplers 1226 is axially positioned betweenthe first axial location of the first end of said coupler 1226 and thethird axial location of the portion of the first or second cable 1276.For example, an upper most portion of either cable 1276 is positionedaxially inward of the coupler 1226 of the lower scissor pair (see, forexample, FIG. 47). The axially inward most end of this lower mostcoupler 1226 is axially positioned between the upper most portion ofeach cable 1276 and the axially outward most end of this lower mostcoupler 1226. zzz

Each link 1222, 1224 includes a plurality of coupler-receiving apertures1282, as shown in FIG. 45, sized to receive cable ties or couplers 1284as shown in FIG. 47. Each coupler 1284 includes a strap 1286 thatextends through aperture 1282 and wraps around the respective cable1276. Each coupler further includes a ratchet mechanism 1288 thatengages a plurality of transverse ridges (not shown) on strap 1286 tolock the position of strap 1286 relative to ratchet mechanism 1288.According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, othercouplers are provided to couple the cables to the links, such as wires,bands, clips, snaps, or other couplers known to those of ordinary skillin the art.

As shown in FIG. 44, shields 1290 are provided on each second link 1224at the ends coupled by shorter second links couplers 1244. Shields 1290are positioned to block cables 1276 from contacting other components oflift 1214 during raising and lowering.

Each shield 1290 is preferably made of stamped sheet metal and includesa shield flange 1292 having bent or flared edges 1294 and a pair ofmounting tabs or flanges 1296 having mounting apertures. According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other shieldconfigurations are provided including shields made of other materialssuch as plastics or other materials known to those of ordinary skill inthe art.

Each link 1224 includes a pocket or channel 1310 sized to receivemounting flanges 1296 of shield 1290. Furthermore, each link 1224includes a plurality of apertures 1312 sized to receive fasteners 1311that extend through mounting apertures 1298. Mounting flanges 1296 havenotches or apertures 1314 therein to permit cable ties 1284 to passbetween shields 1290 and links 1224 through apertures 1315.

Shields 1290 are preferably positioned adjacent one another betweenadjacent links 1224 to block cables 1276 from contacting adjacent links1224 during raising and lowering. Flared edges 1294 extend in oppositedirections to deflect one another in the event of contact therebetween.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, fourbumpers 1316 are provided adjacent the upper corners of perimeter wall1036 of lower pan 1034 to absorb shock caused by lower pan 1034contacting upper pan 1028 as shown in FIG. 43. Each bumper 1316 ispreferably U-shaped and made of a 1.0 inch (25.4 millimeter) long rubberextrusion. Each bumper 1316 includes a channel 1318 that receivesperimeter wall 1036. Preferably, perimeter wall 1036 includes fournotches (not shown) used to locate bumpers 1316 in the positions shownin FIG. 43. The notches also provide a relief under bumpers 1316 toavoid extreme pinching of the rubber material between upper and lowerpans 1028, 1034.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, thelifts of the present disclosure are configured to support otheraudio/visual components, such as speakers, slide projectors. LCDprojectors, receivers, VCR=s, DVD players, TV=s, or other audio/visualor other components known to those of ordinary skill in the art.Furthermore, according to other alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the lifts are configured to support components in otherlocations in a room. For example, according to one alternativeembodiment of the present disclosure, the lift is configured to raise aTV from the floor of a room. According to other alternative embodimentsof the present disclosure, the lift is configured to move other objectsbetween two positions. For example, according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the lift is configured to raise and lower thebackboard of an adjustable height basketball backboard. According toother alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the series ofextension units are configured for use in other applications in whichtelescoping members, scissor pairs, or other extension units are used.For example, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,multiple series of scissor pairs according to the present disclosuresare coupled together in a side-by-side arrangement to form a retractablemesh for use in such applications as store-front security gates or meshelevators gates.

Preferably, instructions for the assembly, installation, and/or use ofthe devices disclosed herein are provided with said devices or otherwisecommunicated to permit a person or machine to assemble, install and/oruse such devices. Such instructions may include a description of any orall portions of the devices and/or any or all of the above-describedassembly, installation, and use of the devices. Furthermore, suchinstructions may describe the environment in which the devices are used.The instructions may be provided on separate papers and/or the packagingin which the device is sold or shipped. Furthermore, the instructionsmay be embodied as text, pictures, audio, video, or any other medium ormethod of communicating instructions known to those of ordinary skill inthe art.

Although the present invention has been described in detail withreference to preferred embodiments, variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of the present invention as described anddefined in the following claims.

1. A projector lift adapted to support a projector from a ceiling, theprojector lift comprising: a ceiling mount adapted to be coupled to aceiling of a room, the ceiling mount having an outer perimeter; aprojector mount adapted to support a projector, the projector mounthaving an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter of the ceiling mount andthe outer perimeter of the projector mount cooperating to define acolumn of space between the ceiling mount and the projector mount; and aseries of links extending between the ceiling mount and the projectormount, at least a portion of the series of links being positioned withinthe column of space.
 2. The projector lift of claim 1, wherein theseries of links includes a first link coupled to the ceiling mount and asecond link coupled to the projector mount, and the first and secondlinks are positioned entirely within the column of space.
 3. Theprojector lift of claim 1, wherein the ceiling mount includes a verticalwall forming the outer perimeter of the ceiling mount, and at least onelink of the series is coupled to the ceiling mount within an interiorregion formed by the vertical wall.
 4. The projector lift of claim 1,wherein the projector mount includes a vertical wall forming the outerperimeter of the projector mount, and at least one link of the series iscoupled to the projector mount within an interior region formed by thevertical wall.
 5. The projector lift of claim 1, wherein the series oflinks is positioned entirely within the column of space.
 6. Theprojector lift of claim 1, further including a second series of linksextending between the ceiling mount and the projector mount, the secondseries of links being spaced apart from the series of links, at least aportion of the second series of links being positioned within the columnof space.
 7. The projector lift of claim 1, further including a driverconfigured to raise and lower the projector mount, the driver beingpositioned within the column of space.
 8. The projector lift of claim 7,the driver including a shaft and at least one flexible coupler adaptedto wrap around the shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft causes extensionand retraction of the flexible coupler to move the projector mountrelative to the ceiling mount.
 9. The projector lift of claim 1, furtherincluding a cable extending along the series of links, the cable beingpositioned within the column of space.
 10. The projector lift of claim1, wherein the series of links includes a series of scissor pairs havingan extended length and a retracted length.
 11. A projector lift adaptedto support a projector from a ceiling, the projector lift comprising: aceiling mount adapted to be coupled to a ceiling of a room, the ceilingmount including a perimeter wall and a bracket positioned in an interiorregion formed by the perimeter wall; a projector mount adapted tosupport a projector; and a series of links extending between the ceilingmount and the projector mount to support the projector mount, at leastone link of the series of links being coupled to the bracket of theceiling mount.
 12. The projector lift of claim 11, wherein the at leastone link is positioned between the bracket and a nearest wall portion ofthe perimeter wall.
 13. The projector lift of claim 11, wherein theseries of links includes a series of scissor pairs having an extendedlength and a retracted length, each scissor pair including first andsecond scissor links coupled together by a coupler to rotate relative toeach other about an axis of rotation, a first scissor pair being coupledto the bracket of the ceiling mount.
 14. The projector lift of claim 11,the projector mount including a perimeter wall forming an interiorregion, at least one link of the series of links being positioned in theinterior region formed by the perimeter wall of the projector mount. 15.The projector lift of claim 14, wherein the at least one link positionedin the interior region of the projector mount is coupled to theperimeter wall of the projector mount.
 16. The projector lift of claim14, wherein the projector mount is adapted to support a projectorpositioned below the perimeter wall of the projector mount.
 17. Theprojector lift of claim 11, wherein the perimeter wall of the ceilingmount is vertical and includes four corners.
 18. An audio/visual systemfor use in a structure, the system comprising: an audio/visualcomponent; and a component lift supported by the structure and coupledto the component to raise and lower the component, the component liftincluding a first mount adapted to couple to the structure, a secondmount coupled to the component, a driver configured to raise and lowerthe second mount, and a stabilizer configured to stabilize the secondmount, the first and second mounts each having an outer perimeter, theouter perimeter of the first mount and the outer perimeter of the secondmount cooperating to define a column of space between the first mountand the second mount, at least a portion of the stabilizer beingpositioned in the column of space.
 19. The audio/visual system of claim18, wherein the stabilizer includes series of scissor pairs including afirst scissor pair coupled to the first mount and a second scissor paircoupled to the second mount, and the first and second scissor pairs arepositioned entirely within the column of space.
 20. The audio/visualsystem of claim 18, wherein the first mount includes a perimeter walland a bracket spaced apart from the perimeter wall and positioned in thecolumn of space, and the stabilizer is coupled to the bracket.